Shemar Britton and Elishaba Johnson recorded individual game victories, but Guyana were beaten 3-0 by Guatemala in their opening men’s team table tennis contest at the Central American and Caribbean Games on Saturday.
Guatemala won the doubles match before taking both singles encounters by 3-1 margins, leaving Guyana needing a strong response against the Dominican Republic on Sunday.
The contest began with Niran Bissu and Johnson facing Guatemala’s Luis Carrillo and Ian Morales. The Guyanese combination pushed their opponents closely in the opening game but lost 9-11 before going down 6-11 and 5-11 in the remaining two games.
Britton attempted to keep Guyana in the contest when he met Sergio Carrillo. After losing 4-11 and 6-11, Britton produced a better performance to take the third game 11-7. Carrillo, however, closed out the match by winning the fourth 11-7.
With Guatemala leading 2-0, Johnson faced Morales in the final singles match and gave Guyana an encouraging start by winning the first game 11-6. Morales responded strongly, taking the next three games 11-6, 11-2 and 11-6 to complete Guatemala’s sweep.
Guyana are scheduled to face hosts Dominican Republic on Sunday as the men continue their push for progression from the team stage.
The men’s team comprises Britton, Johnson, Bissu and Malachi Moore, with Joel Alleyne serving as coach. Chelsea Edghill and Jasmine Billingy are Guyana’s female representatives.
Guyana’s players are also expected to participate in the men’s and women’s singles and doubles competitions, as well as the mixed doubles event.
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